Fragmented: meaning, definitions and examples

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fragmented

 

[ ˈfræɡməntɪd ]

Adjective / Verb
Context #1 | Adjective

thoughts or objects

Having been broken into fragments; disorganized or incomplete

Synonyms

broken, disjointed, shattered.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fragmented

Useful when describing something that has been broken into pieces or parts, often in a way that is not easily put back together. Often used in abstract contexts like systems, processes, or organizations.

  • The company's fragmented approach to management is causing confusion.
  • Her focus was fragmented, making it hard to complete any task.
broken

Commonly used to describe something physically damaged or not working properly. It can also be used to describe emotional states or relationships. This word has a more general application.

  • The vase is broken.
  • He felt completely broken after the news.
shattered

Typically used to describe something that is broken into many small pieces, often beyond repair. This word carries a strong emotional impact and can also describe feelings of extreme disappointment or distress.

  • The glass window was shattered by the rock.
  • She was shattered by the unexpected loss.
disjointed

Often used to describe things that are not connected in a logical or clear way, like a speech, piece of writing, or a series of events.

  • The movie's plot was disjointed and hard to follow.
  • His explanation was so disjointed that no one understood him.

Examples of usage

  • The old house had a fragmented roof, with missing tiles scattered around the garden.
  • His mind felt fragmented after the traumatic experience, making it hard to focus.
Context #2 | Verb

groups or organizations

To break or divide into fragments

Synonyms

break up, divide, separate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fragmented

Used to describe something that has been broken into many small pieces or parts, often implying a lack of structure or coherence.

  • The computer files were fragmented after the virus attacked
  • The company became fragmented after the major restructuring
break up

Commonly used to describe the end of a relationship, a meeting, or an event. It can also refer to the act of breaking something into smaller parts.

  • They decided to break up after five years together
  • The meeting will break up at 5 PM
divide

Used when something is being split into parts, often implying a deliberate or systematic separation.

  • The students were divided into groups for the project
  • They decided to divide the land equally among the heirs
separate

Refers to the action of moving or keeping things apart. It can be used in both physical and abstract contexts, often with a connotation of independence or distinction.

  • They had to separate the recyclables from the trash
  • The couple decided to separate after years of marriage

Examples of usage

  • The company decided to fragment into smaller divisions to increase efficiency.
  • The protest movement became fragmented after disagreements among the leaders.

Translations

Translations of the word "fragmented" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fragmentado

🇮🇳 खंडित

🇩🇪 fragmentiert

🇮🇩 terfragmentasi

🇺🇦 фрагментований

🇵🇱 fragmentowany

🇯🇵 断片化した (だんぺんかした)

🇫🇷 fragmenté

🇪🇸 fragmentado

🇹🇷 parçalanmış

🇰🇷 분열된

🇸🇦 مجزأ

🇨🇿 rozdělený

🇸🇰 fragmentovaný

🇨🇳 碎片化的 (suìpiàn huà de)

🇸🇮 fragmentiran

🇮🇸 brotinn

🇰🇿 бөлшектенген

🇬🇪 ფრაგმენტირებული

🇦🇿 parçalanmış

🇲🇽 fragmentado

Etymology

The word 'fragmented' originates from the Latin word 'fragmentum', meaning a piece broken off. It entered the English language in the early 17th century. The concept of fragmentation can be seen in various aspects of life, from physical objects to abstract ideas, reflecting a sense of incompleteness or disarray.

See also: fragmentable, fragmentary, fragmentation, fragmenting, fragmentize, fragments.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,509, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.